Nokea
A patient in her 30 s has two young children and has just had a modified radical mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The patient shares with the nurse that she is somewhat worried about her future, but she appears to be adjusting well to her diagnosis and surgery. What nursing intervention is most appropriate to support this patients coping?
- A. Encourage the patients spouse or partner to be supportive while she recovers.
- B. Encourage the patient to proceed with the next phase of treatment.
- C. Recommend that the patient remain optimistic for the sake of her children.
- D. Arrange a referral to a community-based support program.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Referring the patient to a community-based support program connects her with others who have similar experiences, supporting her coping without assuming distress. Encouraging spousal support or optimism may be inappropriate, and treatment decisions are physician-led.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient has just been told she needs to have an incision of a right breast mass. During preoperative teaching, how could the nurse best assess this patient for specific needs she might have?
- A. By encouraging her to verbalize her questions and concerns
- B. By discussing the possible findings of the biopsy
- C. By discussing possible treatment options if the diagnosis is cancer
- D. By reviewing her medical history
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to verbalize questions and concerns helps identify her educational, physical, or psychosocial needs, tailoring preoperative care. Discussing biopsy findings or treatment options is physician-led, and medical history review is less direct.
The nurse is reviewing the physicians notes from the patient who has just left the clinic. The nurse learns that the physician suspects a malignant breast tumor. On palpation, the mass most likely had what characteristic?
- A. Nontenderness
- B. A size of 5 mm
- C. Softness and a regular shape
- D. Mobility
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Malignant breast tumors are typically nontender, hard, fixed, and irregularly shaped. Small size, softness, or mobility are more characteristic of benign lesions like cysts.
A 60-year-old man presents at the patient complaining that his breasts are tender and enlarging. Patients are subsequently diagnosed with gynecomastia. The patient should be assessed for what causative factor?
- A. Age-related symptoms
- B. Medication adverse effects
- C. Poor nutrition
- D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gynecomastia in older men is often caused by medications, such as diuretics or antipsychotics, which can disrupt hormonal balance. It is not an age-related change, nor is it linked to nutrition or fluid overload.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had a radical mastectomy and axillary node dissection. When providing patient education regarding rehabilitation, what should the nurse recommend?
- A. Avoid exercise of the arm for next 2 months.
- B. Keep cuticles clipped neatly.
- C. Avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds.
- D. Use a sling until healing is complete.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Post-axillary dissection, patients should avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 to 10 pounds to prevent lymphedema or injury. Arm exercises are encouraged, cuticles should not be cut to avoid infection, and slings are unnecessary.
A woman is considering breast reduction mammogram. When weighing the patients health risks, the nurse should confirm that the patient is aware that what factor?
- A. Chronic breast pain
- B. Unclear mammography results
- C. Increased risk of breast cancer
- D. Decreased nipple sensation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Breast reduction mammoplasty may result in decreased nipple sensation due to nerve disruption. It does not increase cancer risk, affect mammography clarity, or cause chronic pain.